Clemons is entering the final year of his contract, leading to the assumption that he skipped the Seahawks’ voluntary organized team activities because he was seeking a new deal. Carroll has been mum on Clemons’ absence, but gave no impression during an appearance on “The Kevin Calabro Show” on Wednesday that it was related to anything other than his contract.

“That’s a personal situation for Chris. It’s his choice to not participate at this time,” Carroll said when asked if Clemons is unhappy with his current deal and whether that was the reason for his absence. “We have talked with the agent and we’ve done some serious talks but not to the point where he’s ready to jump back in yet.”

Clemons, 30, led the Seahawks with 11 sacks in 2011 for the second consecutive season. He is scheduled to make roughly $4.5 million in the final year of the five-year deal the Seahawks inherited when they acquired the pass-rusher in a trade with the Eagles two years ago.

The Seahawks spent their first-round pick on Bruce Irvin, a player they hope can succeed Clemons at the “Leo” position.

“I’ve talked to Chris and he’s in good spirits,” Carroll said. “He’s working out real hard. It’s just something he thinks he needs to do at this time.”

The Seahawks will begin a mandatory minicamp on June 12. Clemons would be subject to fines should be miss those practices.

“He’ll be in for the minicamp. He told me he’ll be in here,” Carroll said. “It’s a mandatory minicamp, so he’ll be around. It will be great to get him back in with the fellas.”